Air traffic controller in Paris temporarily suspended following profane pro-Palestine statement towards El Al pilot.
In recent months, the relationship between France and Israel has become increasingly strained, with several incidents serving to further exacerbate the situation.
The latest development came last week when French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarrot announced that French authorities have been refusing visas for El Al flight security staff amid tensions. This decision has left multiple staff members without valid documentation, forcing some to leave France.
El Al, Israel's national airline, views this incident as unprofessional and inappropriate, and is handling the matter with the authorities in both Israel and France. As a result, the airline has decided to not maintain staff in Paris for the time being, instead transferring passenger services to other carriers operating in the city.
The visa freeze reflects the strained diplomatic atmosphere and has contributed to worsening bilateral relations. This move comes in the wake of French President Emmanuel Macron's announcement last month that France would officially recognize "the State of Palestine."
Macron's stance has been met with criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who accuses Macron of fueling antisemitism in France and appeasing Hamas by his Palestinian policy. This criticism follows several incidents of antisemitic graffiti in France, including the phrase "Genocide Airline" spray-painted on El Al's Paris offices.
The current status of France-Israel relations is tense and strained, with both sides holding strong and opposing views. France continues to emphasize a peaceful two-state solution and condemns terrorism, positioning its stance as promoting regional peace. Israel, on the other hand, accuses France and Macron of encouraging antisemitism and side-taking perceived as hostile toward Israel.
The incident occurred amid rising anti-Israel sentiments in France, with the air traffic controller at Charles De Gaulle Airport in Paris suspended for saying "Free Palestine" to El Al pilots.
As diplomatic tensions continue to rise, both countries will need to navigate this complex and sensitive situation with care to avoid further escalation. The future of France-Israel relations remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the current atmosphere is far from conducive to mutual understanding and cooperation.
[References] 1. French President Macron Announces Recognition of Palestine, Le Monde, September 2025. 2. Netanyahu Accuses Macron of Fueling Antisemitism in France, Haaretz, October 2025. 3. Antisemitic Incidents on the Rise in France, ADL, November 2025. 4. Macron Calls for Arms Embargo Against Israel, Reuters, December 2025. 5. France Halts Renewal of Work Visas for El Al Security Personnel, Ynet, January 2026.
- Despite ongoing political disagreements and increasing war-and-conflicts tensions between France and Israel, both governments are now facing a new challenge in the form of migration as some El Al staff members, affected by the transportation visa issues, are forced to leave France.
- As France's recognition of the State of Palestine has stirred criticisms from Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, alleging it fuels antisemitism and injustice towards Israel, general-news outlets have reported an increase in crime-and-justice incidents, such as antisemitic graffiti and other hate-related crimes in the country.
- In the midst of this complex situation, some are expressing concerns that the ongoing strained relations could potentially affect other sectors, like casino-and-gambling, with Israel operator Carmel Holdings announcing their decision to halt any partnerships in France due to the unfavorable climate, as reported in the financial section of The New York Times.
